In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Anna D’Ambrosio, President and CEO of Munson, to talk about the past, present and future of one of the Mohawk Valley’s most iconic institutions. Anna shares how Munson has evolved during her decades with the organization. A major part of that change has been making art more accessible and creating a place where everyone feels welcome. From free art classes for hundreds of local kids to partnerships throughout the community, Munson has become much more than a museum.

We also dive into Munson For All, the organization’s first capital campaign since its founding in 1919. The $9.5 million campaign will help transform the Museum of Art with an expanded interactive Art Odyssey, a new cafe and other visitor focused improvements. Anna also shares why art matters in a world dominated by screens and technology. It gives people a chance to slow down, observe and think differently.

Along the way, we uncover just how much is happening at Munson. The organization hosts more than 600 events each year and operates across 25 buildings in Utica. Its collection also attracts visitors from around the world. Whether you love art or have never stepped inside a museum, Anna has a simple message. You do not need to know anything about art to walk through the doors and experience it for yourself.

In This Episode:
• How Munson is making art more accessible to families across the Mohawk Valley
• The vision behind the $9.5 million Munson For All campaign
• Why art builds critical thinking and gives us space to slow down
• The surprising scope of Munson’s events, programs and community partnerships
• Why Anna wants everyone to feel like Munson belongs to them

At its heart, this conversation is about opening the doors a little wider and showing people what has been sitting right here in the 315 all along.

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
(1:00) - Changes Over Time
(3:25) - 9.5 Million Dollar Capital Campaign
(5:10) - Visiting the Museum
(6:15) - Misconceptions Around Munson
(8:25) - Art For Kids
(9:40) - Gateway to Learning
(10:45) - Favorite Exhibitions
(11:45) - Value to Community
(14:30) - Community Partnerships
(16:25) - Munson For All
(17:30) - Events
(19:50) - Membership
(22:15) - The Time is Now
(24:45) - Slowing Down & Activities
(26:50) - Anna's Legacy & Open Door
(28:15) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Anna & Munson's Links:
Website - https://www.munson.art
IG - https://www.instagram.com/munsonutica
FB - https://www.facebook.com/MunsonUtica
Campaign - https://www.munson.art/for-all

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com

In this episode, we sit down with Chet LoConti, Director of the City of Utica Youth Bureau and a longtime basketball coach who has spent decades investing in local kids. Chet takes us inside the Youth Bureau and the incredible amount happening there every day. From after school programming and basketball to pools, parks, summer activities, swim lessons and even pickleball, the goal is simple. Give kids a safe place to go and people they can count on.

Chet also shares the side of the job that goes far beyond recreation. We talk about providing meals, clothing, hygiene products and other essentials for kids who need them. He shares the emotional story of two young men he coached who stayed in touch as they grew up and eventually reached milestones of their own. We also get into his nearly 30 years of coaching, the importance of being a father figure and why seeing a former player succeed means more than winning any game.

At the heart of the conversation is Chet's love for Utica. He talks about the people who quietly give back, the diversity that makes the city special and the team that makes the Youth Bureau's work possible. It is a great look at just how much can happen when a community gives young people a chance.

We Talk About:
• The programs and opportunities available through the City of Utica Youth Bureau
• How the after school program provides much more than a place for kids to hang out
• Chet's nearly 30 years of coaching and the relationships that have stayed with him
• The importance of donations, partnerships and community support
• Why Chet believes Utica's culture and its people make it a special place to grow up

For Chet, the mission can be summed up pretty simply. Every kid deserves a chance.

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
(1:00) - Youth Bureau Offerings & Programs
(2:45) - What's Changed & Staff
(5:00) - After School Program
(8:25) - Success Stories
(10:30) - It Takes a Special Person
(12:15) - Donations & General Fund
(15:15) - Recruiting Workers & Workforce Development
(16:30) - Fatherhood
(19:35) - 29 Years of Coaching
(23:30) - What Makes Utica a Great Place For Kids?
(27:45) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Chet LoConti's Links:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552065084235
IG - https://www.instagram.com/utica.youthbureau
Website - https://www.cityofutica.com/departments/youth-bureau

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com

In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Neruda Perdomo, a recent Utica University graduate, former Pioneers basketball standout, and co-host of the growing sports podcast Not Even D2. Originally from New York City, Neruda shares how basketball brought him to Utica and how his time here helped shape both his career goals and his perspective on life. What started as a college basketball journey quickly turned into a passion for storytelling, content creation and building meaningful connections through media.

Neruda talks about the discipline that comes from being a Division III athlete, the lessons he's learned behind the microphone and the confidence that comes from pushing through uncomfortable moments. From interviewing Division III athletes to landing conversations with Division I coaches and NBA players, he explains how every opportunity has helped prepare him for a career in sports media. He also reflects on the influence of his parents, both accomplished storytellers in their own right and why staying curious has been one of his biggest advantages.

We also talk about his experience working behind the scenes with Love Living Local, what surprised him most about the Mohawk Valley and why this community became much more than just a place to attend college. This episode is full of energy, optimism and a reminder that chasing big dreams often starts with saying yes to the next opportunity.

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
(1:15) - Journey & Becoming a Storyteller
(1:55) - Finding Utica Through Basketball
(4:15) - Start of Not Even D2
(7:15) - Preparing For Big Name Guests
(12:35) - Intern Experience with Vuew Media & LLL
(14:15) - Storytelling & Life Experience
(16:15) - Don't Let Small Minded People Limit You
(18:10) - Shout Out to Dad
(19:15) - Graduating & What Success Looks Like
(23:10) - Dream Guests
(23:40) - Living in Utica
(28:25) - Future Project Aspirations
(30:15) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Neruda's Links:
Website - https://nerudaperdomo.myportfolio.com
IG - https://www.instagram.com/nerudaperdomo
NED2 IG - https://www.instagram.com/notevend2
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Notevend2

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org